Ruth Annaqtuusi Tulurialik

Canadian, b. 1934

Mythological Scene, 1971

coloured pencil, graphite on paper

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The supernatural nature of this aquatic vision by Baker Lake artist Ruth Annaqtuusi Tulurialuk is obvious. The central shamanic figure has human and caribou attributes, and tiny humans and animals cavort irreverently on its static form. The paper is filled to the edges with vibrating colour, created by the blending of pencil strokes of different hues. The complexity of drawings by Annaqtuusi have made them difficult to translate into prints, and few have been created over the years. A long collaboration between writer David Pelly and the artist resulted in the 1986 touring exhibition The Vital Vision, as well as the book Qikaaluktuk: Images of Inuit Life, filled with her stories and drawings.